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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Here's PiCPAC & Ensemble De Robot in Game Machine magazine on January 1, 1985! Where PiCPAC were made for showmanship, Taito's ensemble were designed to play genuine instruments Toyama's art book claims the two groups made their debut performances within 3 days of one another! #Namcohistory #PiCPAC

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Wow, what a curious group of cute and unsuspecting insects... I wonder if anything magical or otherworldly could possibly befall them?

A shiny Rhinoceros Beetle with a deep blue color similar to Strobo Gonzales' body plating

A Pink Clearwing butterfly, who's colors resemble those of Maria Socket

A young Japanese grasshopper, as indicated by its bright green body, with dark markings around its red eyes that are comparable to Digital Tome's

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

According to the art book, the Castanets are numbered on their backs! 1 through 5! But because the images in the book are all in grayscale, and we never see the Castanets from behind in any other images, I have no idea which ones are which! Maybe they were arranged in numerical order? #PiCPAC

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Here's some adorable PiCPAC fanart I saw in the wild!! It makes me extremely happy to see more artwork of them appearing, keep it coming PiCPAC nation ❤️ By yami_no_kat_ on Instagram!)

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I wonder what magazine this image comes from... The left text is describing Tome's character, the bottom text is about the Castanets, and the right text seems to be referring to an unrelated Namco robot that creates ribbon art. I wish I could find the full page,but I have no idea what the source is😵

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The Namco Historian @namcohistory.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This brand-new video focuses on the history of Namco’s animatronic Robot Band PiCPAC. The video also goes over the history of Namco’s involvement in robotics leading up to PiCPAC. Go check it out if you are looking for more Namco history content!

youtu.be

The Weird History Of Namco's Forgotten & Lost Animatronic Band - PicPac

YouTube video by Mr. Tele-Tell

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The Namco Historian @namcohistory.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I know I’m late to this, but @supergroovy.net (VideoDojo) did a YouTube Short serving as an introduction to Namco’s Robot Band PiCPAC. Check it out!

youtube.com

The Real Glamrock FNAF Band from Japan! #shorts

YouTube video by Dom | VideoDojo

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I've always wondered why Tome's physical model didn't end up green... It's clear across marketing material, the logo colors, and his grasshopper identity; he's definitely supposed to be green! So I wonder why he's blue? Maybe a budget thing? A last-minute change of plans? Very mysterious... #PiCPAC

an image of PiCPAC's merchandise, showing tome's green color coding across various pieces

an image of Tome III, showing his teal/blue color scheme

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today I learned that PiCPAC's merch was announced as part of a mail-in contest! Readers were asked to guess which insects the characters were based on, and 11 lucky winners would receive one free PiCPAC item each. Magazine mail-order… what a time the 80s must have been... 🥹

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

With the official translation complete, I can turn my focus to personal projects regarding PiCPAC... ehehehe

a sketch of Maria Socket staring at the viewer captioned: "I have hired this robot to stare at you"

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I recently finished my translation of the PiCPAC section of Toyama's art book! Once i figure out a good place to upload it it'll be available for reading. 🙏 #Namco #PiCPAC

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

This one is a much bigger undertaking, all the key art will need to be redrawn... But I've done it before, I can do it again!

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Uploading a full resolution page here wouldn't do much good due to compression, but here's the restored pamphlet in English! The plain black and white version i shared previously was distributed to press members, presumably on PiCPAC's debut day. #PiCPAC #NamcoHistory

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Going from a crusty 900px by 1000px footnote to a full 4000px page... I think I've gone mad with power... #PiCPAC #NamcoHistory

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Going over the design book again and laughing cause Maria is the only one drawn looking at the viewer in her concept artworks- and she stares into your soul in EVERY piece, no exceptions. She looks simultaneously adorable and like she'll snap and kill me when I least expect it😭 #PICPAC #Namco

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Also some BOLD words coming from Tome, first he's a self proclaimed aristocrat, then he claims to be better than Jimi Hendrix? Ok pal, I love ya, but I'm not sure about that last one... #PiCPAC #Namco

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Thinking about the PiCPAC love triangle... Tome is always trying to flirt with Maria, but he always fumbles; meanwhile Strobo sweats bullets because he's too shy to confess his own crush on her first. I like to believe Maria is so focused on reaching stardom herself she misses both of their signals

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🍁Cookieofthecream🍁 @cookieofcream.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Bandai Namco this is how you can earn millions from the queer community during a time of crisis: bring back PicPAC and make merch of all these old animatronics we will line your pockets forever

The Robot Band PiCPAC! Strobo Gonzales on drums, Maria Socket on the keyboard, and Digital Tome III on the guitar!

The Exciting Chairman Mr. Maji Mentarō, host and manager of PiCPAC!

Kyuji-kun the tea serving robot and Uketsuke Komachi!

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Hello PiCPAC nation, I'm not dead! I strained my hand pretty badly a couple weeks ago and have been on the mend... But I'm still chipping away! Here's some translation I've been doing for Maji Mentaro's design page. #PiCPAC #NamcoHistory

a black and white clipping from a design book, the text reads:
When speaking, the heart shape would clack open and shut in a "pakapaka" motion. A blinking mechanism was also built into its round, adorable eyes.

a black and white clipping from a design book, the text reads:
Commonly known as "Mame-chan." He’s a devoted fan of the trio's music, keeping the show moving by using his signature talent for “flattery”. Whenever the band starts squabbling during their concerts, Maji is there to smooth-talk them back into shape. He’s serious and full of energy, but sometimes he’s a bit off-key. He serves as both MC and manager.
“I’ll show you I can turn PiCPAC into superstars!” - Maji Mentaro

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

My translations are coming along nicely, today I've been working on the character design section! These little designs are what I've chosen to humorously call "Proto-pac". Toyama apparently drew them while PiCPAC was in it's early stages, and they were briefly a comedy show...🤔 #PiCPAC #NamcoHistory

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Dom | VideoDojo @supergroovy.net · 20/06/2026

Back in 2022, I invited @voxy.space to art direct & create motion graphics for my first ever PiCPAC video. The new project section on his redesigned website (it's gorgeous btw!) goes into detail about his creative process, including some great BTS images like this! www.voxy.space/projects/the...

An composite image showing the main members of PiCPAC beside a selection of colours labelled: Maria Pink, Pac Yellow, Tomesan Green, Gonza Blue, Inky Black - Image source: www.voxy.space

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ISAiAH💿 @ez3fm.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Have anwsered your call and did Maji. ;3

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I really like these concept art sketches I've bumped into in the artbook as I've gone, they really reflect how much turmoil went into the design aspect. Apparently they initially wanted PiCPAC to be stylistically similar to Earth Wind and Fire (third image), what a timeline that would've been😭

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Man what I wouldn't do to get my hands on any of their old merchandise 😭 I've honestly considered remaking some assets (like the stickers or badges) myself, just so I can have some form of physical PiCPAC media to sport on my bookbag... #PiCPAC #Namco

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Went on a little bit of a side tangent today while translating. The artbook mentions a few of Namco's other robots, so I ended up doing some research on them to make sure I have all my facts straight, it was nice trip learning some about them! Might post more about them another time♥️ #Namcohistory

An image of Namco's "Pamphlet KOZO" and "LARGO" side by side, handing out pamphlets and stamping them respectively.

An image showing the cover of a pamphlet featuring "Pamphlet KOZO", a robotic elephant character in a red suit and top-hat that uses it's trunk to pass out pamphlets.

An image showing the back of a black and white pamphlet featuring "Stamp Robot Largo", a robot designed to stamp papers when the user presses it's red button nose.

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Dom | VideoDojo @supergroovy.net · 15/06/2026

Working on a video containing some pretty exciting info for PiCPAC fans... Hopefully I can have it finished before the end of the month! 👀✨

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

I wanna normalize stylizing PiCPAC fan-art in the same way Toyama used to draw them, his drawings were very doodle-sketchy... Childlike, yet refined, they're super adorable and fun to draw that way ♥️ #PiCPAC #Namco

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

As much as I see love for Maria, with Strobo typically the second-most liked, I feel like I don't see nearly enough love out there for Tome🥲 I'm personally biased for him with his silly goggles and his sci-fi guitar, but I love his "Tries too hard and should really just be himself" trope the most ♥️

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I've been translating this pamphlet (left) from Toyama's artbook! According to the caption (right), the pamphlet was distributed around PiCPAC's debut time to brief AMROF-goers on what the band's performance would include, all humorously delivered in character by Maji Mentaro! #Namcohistory #PiCPAC

"Hello everyone, and welcome to our robot band!! I’m “Maji Mentaro,” the band’s MC and manager—but you can call me Mame-chan. It's nice to meet you!! Without further ado, let me tell you all about our robot band. The band’s name is “PiCPAC.” Cute name, right? Now, let me introduce the members. On keyboard and vocals is “Maria-chan.” Greeting you with one hand raised and a slight tilt of her head, she’s a charming girl whose spread-wing pose is absolutely adorable—and she’s a fantastic singer, too. Playing the drums is “Strobo Gonzalez,” who keeps the rhythm while swaying his body from side to side. And we've got “Digital Tome III” on guitar, rocking back and forth as he strums away. Watching the three of them banter together is a real blast. Joining them on stage to liven up their songs
are “The Castanets,” a lively five-member chorus
group that keeps the energy high with their lively
chatter. They spin around and around, clicking
and clacking their hands to the beat. And please
try out their fun belly games too.
And finally, myself—the only one in the band who
runs around all over the stage. I can tilt my head
and even wink at you. Your support would be
greatly appreciated, and we look forward to
seeing many of you there!!
See ya, see ya—!!"

"PiCPAC made their debut at “AMROF '84,” a festival for amateur robot enthusiasts held on November 17, 1984, at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Kitanomaru, Tokyo. The image above shows the promotional material for PiCPAC as it appeared in the event pamphlet from that time. Right away, Maji Mentaro is showing off his talent for "flattery" (lol)."

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I recently purchased myself a copy of Shigeki Toyama's Artworks Volume, and I'm currently in the process of translating the PiCPAC related pages for English reading! There's a bunch of stuff in there that I'd never seen before, and I'm excited to share it with everyone!! #Namco #Namcohistory #PiCPAC

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

LIKE-- JUST LOOK AT MARIA, SHE'S ADORABLE!! I love them all so much aughhh...🥹🥹🥹 #PiCPAC #Namco

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Something i've been telling people forever, even before I knew of PiCPAC, was my belief that the best way to design an enduring animatronic should be to give it approachability, a cute factor. I honestly think PiCPAC is one of the greatest standing examples of that in practice, even 40 years later 🥹

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Cross "Kombat Kardashian" Mirage @crossmirage.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

strobo gonzales more like blorbo gonzales #art #doodle

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

I should go ahead and introduce the band members! Strobo Gonzales is a cheerful, comical, and sometimes clumsy beetle. Maria Socket is a kindly butterfly and the band's refreshing mascot. Digital Tome III is a "dapper" grasshopper with guitar skills and charm that contrast his silly face. -cont-

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Also, just wanted to say, big shoutout to Dom of @supergroovy.net for getting me hooked on PiCPAC with his video documenting their history and for doing all the legwork he's already put into his documentation. Without that video I would never have gotten as far as I have now, so thank you 🙏

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

For those unaware, PiCPAC is a group of 9 amusement animatronics that were designed by Namco in the 80s during the tail end of the robotics boom. They all had their own personalities, they had original songs, they even planned to have a record produced! They were modern pop idols before it was cool!

A collection of black and white photos showing PiCPAC's animatronic band members, highlighting the diversity of their designs and listing their names in japanese text

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Farlander @farlander.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

I've been on a huge hyperfixation with PiCPAC lately, so i pulled myself together and made some artwork, enjoy #ROBOTBANDPICPAC #PICPAC

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PiCPAC Fan @picpacfan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

A few months ago I learned of PiCPAC for the first time, and I quickly went head over heels for them. Now it's my new life's mission to bring these guys back into the limelight, they deserve it after all the love that went into them and their dynamic. Expect the occasional post soon! #PiCPAC #Namco

Three brightly colored robots are playing musical instruments: drums, a keyboard, and a guitar, in a plain, well-lit room.

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Dom | VideoDojo @supergroovy.net · 17/11/2024

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Namco's Robot Band PiCPAC's debut performance at AMROF '84! Congratulations to this intergalactic trio! 2024年11月17日は、ナムコの『ロボットバンド・ピクパク』がAMROF '84でデビュー公演を果たしてから40周年でした！この銀河系トリオ、おめでとうございます！🎉✨

A colourful illustration showing the faces of the three main PiCPAC band members. Each one is sounded by a label of their name and role: Maria Socket: Robotband Keyboard, Digital Tome III: Robotband Guitar, Strobo Gonzales: Robotband Drums

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archᵗʰ 🏳️‍🌈🐀 @archthnight.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

i haven't been in the drawing mood lately, but i couldn't ignore PiCPAC suddenly trending recently. my boy strobo gonzales deserves the world 🥺 also my good friend @supergroovy.net deserves more views on his PiCPAC documentary where he found the first known footage of the band (link in replies)

A rough colored drawing of Strobo Gonzales from the robot band PiCPAC. 🎨

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DrPyspy @drpyspy.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

A good buddy of mine got their hands on a copy of the Shigeki Toyama artbook that contains a bunch of high-res references of the #PicPac band, and I got inspired to quickly sketch out Maria Socket to get back into the drawing mood! Namco bring back PicPac and make a picpacillion dollars #fanart

A rough illustration of Maria Socket, the lead singer of Namco's PicPac animatronic band. Her hair is bluish-purple and resembles a robot helmet. Her body is light-pink with white accents, resembling a robotic dress. She's also got two little antenna ball things on her head.

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Dom | VideoDojo @supergroovy.net · 28/05/2026

Fan art depicting members of Namco's Robot Band PiCPAC, illustrated by Terao Yukizumi of Nagasaki Prefecture. The image was included in quarterly issue 9 of NG Community Magazine from April 1985.

The black and white illustration depicts Strobo Gonzales, Maria Socket and Digital Tome III surrounded by members of the PiCPAC backing chorus, The Castanets. Maria, centre, is shown waving with her left arm and Strobo is holding a drumstick aloft with his right hand.

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The Namco Historian @namcohistory.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

VideoDojo made a documentary about Robot Band PicPAC. Be sure to check it out on their YouTube channel.

youtu.be

The History & Lost Media of Namco’s Robot Band ‘PiCPAC’

YouTube video by Dom | VideoDojo

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The Namco Historian @namcohistory.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Robot Band PiCPAC animatronic performance as seen on TBS Teleport 6 News in November 1984. Footage from the Super Groovy Net YouTube Channel, run by VideoDojo.

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The Namco Historian @namcohistory.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

The Namco History blog is up with its first post about Namco’s animatronic band PiCPAC. blog.namcohistory.com/2026/05/31/r...

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The Namco Historian @namcohistory.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Robot Band PiCPAC can badges (1984)

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